Going Home

Part 143

The next morning as Grace and Josh exchanged presents with Margaret and Robert, Josh said into a brief silence. “Um, Grace gave me an early Christmas present last night.”

“Oh” Margaret said as she and Robert look at them with interest but unsuspecting of the nature of the news to come.

Looking at Grace, who gave him an encouraging smile, Josh said “we’re getting married.”

“Oh Josh” Margaret said with tears forming in her eyes. Over the years she had come to accept that she would missed out on such happy announcements that parents normally look forward to from their kids. Finding that she has not missed it Margaret was overcome with emotion.

Watching Margaret and seeing that she needed a minute to compose herself Robert took the initiative and smiling, he got to his feet and came over to give Grace a hug and a kiss. “Great news” he said and turning to Josh and hugging him he added “congratulations son, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

“Thanks Dad” Josh said.

Margaret, having got herself under control, also came over to offer her congratulations. She hugged Grace and said “Grace this is just perfect, I’m so pleased.” Then turning to her son she hugged him too and added “well now that’s a Christmas present we can all share, thank you.”

Smiling as he moved back Josh said “don’t thank me, this was all Grace.”

Surprised Margaret said “oh” then shrugging added“well I don’t care who did what, I’m just glad one of you had sense enough to do something. Thank you Grace.”

Smiling too, Grace said “my pleasure Margaret” before turning to look at Josh and adding “actually I think I’m the one who received the gift really.”

Shaking his head Josh just smiled and gave her a wink.

Later that day a similar scene occurred when they filled in Grace’s family on the new developments. And it was a testament to their growing understanding of Josh and Grace’s feelings for him that not one of those present even gave her a questioning look. Even her father, who was so wary in the beginning, did not comment nor ask if she was sure. And sitting on the couch later with Josh’s arm around her shoulders Grace smiled to herself as she considered just how far they had all come from when they first met Josh.

Noticing the smile Josh said “what’s that about?”

But looking up at him Grace just shook her head and said “nothing, just happy.”